Current Government Consultations - May 2026

A brief summary of current government consultations of potential interest to RSN members. This is not intended as an exhaustive list of all relevant consultations.

- Download a printable version of the Government Consultations here

Plan approval requirements for new builds and fire safety order buildings – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

The proposals relate to the introduction of stronger building control procedural requirements for new homes and in some instances work to existing dwellings where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order or FSO) applies below 18 metres.

This consultation closes on 11 June 2026.

Plan approval requirements for new builds and fire safety order buildings - GOV.UK

Social Housing Tenure Standard: Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

This consultation sets out proposals for a new Tenure Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing requiring it to set a regulatory standard relating to tenure, aligned with the new assured tenancy and regulatory framework.

The consultation also sets out a proposal to ensure the new Direction applies to all social housing provided by local housing authorities, irrespective of whether they hold a Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

This consultation closes on 28 May 2026.

Social Housing Tenure Standard: Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing - GOV.UK

16 to 19 performance measures – Department for Education

Government are seeking views on proposals to improve 16-19 performance measures. The proposals aim to reform performance measures so that they improve outcomes and provide parents, students, and other users of the data with reliable and meaningful information.

• They are seeking views on:
• Ways in which we can make 16-19 performance measures more consistent and comprehensive
• Improvements to English and maths progress measures
• Refining retention measures

This consultation closes on 21 July 2026.

16 to 19 performance measures - GOV.UK

Biodiversity net gain: considering a targeted exemption for brownfield residential development – Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Government want to know what you think about a possible exemption from biodiversity net gain for some brownfield residential development projects.

They ask whether an exemption should be introduced and, if so, what size thresholds should apply. 

They are also seeking views on how brownfield residential development should be defined. 

They also welcome comments on any ecological, administrative or viability impacts, including any relevant evidence or case studies.

This consultation closes on 10 June 2026.

Biodiversity net gain: considering a targeted exemption for brownfield residential development - GOV.UK

Fees for planning applications – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

This consultation seeks views on proposals to establish a new national default fee schedule for planning applications and on the principles of local fee setting.

This consultation closes on 18 May 2026.

Fees for planning applications - GOV.UK

Permitted development rights for onshore wind turbines in England – Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

The government is seeking views on several proposals for permitted development rights (PDRs) for onshore wind in England.

The government is proposing to not change existing domestic PDRs that apply to households or introduce a new PDR for repowering or community energy projects. However, they are seeking further views and feedback on further changes that could support these types of development.

This consultation closes on 10 June 2026.

Permitted development rights for onshore wind turbines in England - GOV.UK

Proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales – Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

This consultation invites views on the government’s proposed approach to legislating, including:

• how trail hunting should be defined for the purpose of a ban
• whether any other legislative changes are needed to ensure that a ban is effective
• the use of animal based scents in training dogs
• whether any other equestrian activities are at risk from being affected by the proposed ban on trail hunting
• how the introduction of a ban might affect dogs used for trail hunting

This consultation closes on 18 June 2026.

Proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales - GOV.UK

SEND reform: putting children and young people first – Department for Education

Government are consulting on proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

The consultation document explains the changes they plan to make and asks for comments from everyone with an interest.

The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system.

This consultation closes on 18 May 2026.

SEND reform: putting children and young people first - GOV.UK